I had a good start with my playoff predictions last week going 4-0. I’ll try to replicate my success this weekend with some good games on the slate. Here are my picks for Saturday’s match-up

Broncos QB Peyton Manning

Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM, CBS) – A lot of people are liking the Ravens for this game. It is a continuation of Ray Lewis’ retirement tour and Peyton Manning is 0-3 in playoff games under 30 degrees. It is supposed to be only about 18 degrees at kick-off. The Ravens could be primed to go into Denver and upset the Broncos. I’m not sure I agree with that sentiment though. For starters those 3 games that Manning lost in the cold were all road games, this one is at home. The Broncos have a much better defense than the Colts teams as well. Basically it comes down to this – who do you trust more – Peyton Manning against the Ravens defense or Joe Flacco against the Broncos defense? I take Manning every time. Ray Rice will try to keep the Ravens in it but I think at the end of the day Manning gets it done. Flacco will be a liability for the Ravens and will throw 2 INTs that Manning will take advantage of for TDs. I say the Broncos take this one by 10.

Final Score Prediction: Denver Broncos 31, Baltimore Ravens 21

Packers CB Charles Woodson

Green Bay Packers at San Fransisco 49ers (8:30 PM, FOX) – The Niners have a very underrated defense. They will test Aaron Rodgers and try to take away the running game and put it on Rodgers to beat them. The problem is that Rodgers will feel comfortable in his home state of California where the conditions should be conducive to an attacking passing game. Colin Kaepernick is a wild card in this situation. This is his first playoff game and the pressure will be on him to keep up with the Packers’ high-powered offense. The Niners did win a game with Alex Smith at QB last season against the Saints in the playoffs but Smith was a 7-year vet. Kaepernick is only in his 2nd NFL season. Most of the guys on the Green Bay roster won a Super Bowl 2 years ago and I think that experience carries them over to another NFL Championship game appearance. It’ll be close but Green Bay’s offense will be a bit too much for the Niners to keep up with.